Flathead Basin Commission meets today

Members of the Flathead Basin Commission will hold a meeting at the Lake County Courthouse in Polson on Thursday, Feb. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The morning portion of the meeting will focus on FBC administrative issues and updates on pending bills related to houseboats and rail safety.

Jim Simpson from the Lake County Conservation District will discuss the proposed Forest Stewardship Proposal. Jack Potter with the commission will discuss the work currently being undertaken by the Friends of the Columbia River Gorge, and its applicability to efforts within the Flathead Basin.

The afternoon portion of the meeting will feature a series of presentations related to trout and climate change by Ryan Kovach with the U.S. Geological Survey.

An aquatic invasive species discussion will dominate the remainder of the afternoon. Randy Arnold from the Helena-based incident command team will present on the status of the state’s AIS planning efforts for the 2017 field season. The commission will also focus on additional steps for the 2017 boating season.